19 TIPS FOR RELOCATING (ON THE CHEAP)

I just so happen to know a good number of people who are moving now so I thought it would be good to cover some tips for relocating to a new town. Most of these tips will also work if you are just moving across town.

One of my worst moves of all-time was when I was moving to a new apartment right around the corner from where I was living. I thought it would be the easiest move EVER because it was just around the corner so I didn’t pack things as I should. I also drug the whole process out far too long by moving over the course of a few days, instead of just busting it out over a day or afternoon. So, needless to say, now I always pack like I’m moving across the country even if it’s just across town.

Bust it out. Get it done.

Here are 19 tips for relocating across the country (or across town) for pennies:

1. Ask for Assistance

If you are moving due to a job change, be sure to ask your new employer if they offer any type of relocation assistance to help you cover costs of the move and resettlement into a new place. They just might so you don’t want to leave any funds, or help on the table.

2. Hoard Packing Materials

Every time you visit the grocery store ask customer service for any heavy-duty boxes they still have after restocking their shelves. The liquor store is also a good place to get boxes that are segregated which makes packing glasses and knick-knacks much easier. Collect other materials like newspaper and bubble wrap from family and friends to prevent having to spend money on those types of packing materials. Old blankets are a great way to protect the furniture that’s going with you.

3. Start a Packing Timeline

If you are not in a rush, start a few weeks early by writing down a plan of attack. The less stress you have trying to get and stay organized, the less money you’ll spend purely out of convenience.

4. Keep a “Hold All” Box

Keep one larger box or a plastic tub to the side where you will keep all of your must-have items such as packing tape, pens, markers, scissors, paper, important documents, medicines, toiletries, and anything you’ll need until the minute you leave home. This will prevent having to buy new stuff every time you pack away or lose things you need. Keep this box with you at all times so you can get access to these important items when you reach your destination.

5. Keep an “Open First” Box

This is like the Hold All packing box, but not unlike the above box where your priority items are this box will hold what should be considered your 2nd on the list priority items. Give some thought to what items you’ll need (or want) to have right when you get to your new home. Maybe you’ll want to include things like the coffee maker, coffee cups, toilet paper, towels, and toys to keep the kids busy.

6. Label All Boxes

It can be really easy to skip this step or to just do it sloppily. Some people would actually rather go out and buy new items instead of searching through yet another box for something they need. Nip unnecessary spending in the bud by marking each box with a permanent marker noting what room it belongs in with a brief list of what’s inside. Try to avoid my technique that usually comes out at the end of the packing experience where I throw stuff into the boxes and just label them all MISCELLANEOUS…;)

7. Clean as You Go

When you pack up an area, give it a good cleaning immediately after the space has been cleared. This will keep things efficient and prevent you from having to hire cleaners to do your entire residence when you are sick of the moving process. Cleaning will also be beneficial if you rent and are counting on a security deposit refund.

8. Ditch the Junk

Keep a JUNK and GARAGE SALE box close by. While you’re boxing up your keepers, you’ll easily be able to toss your junk and garage sale items into their proper boxes. Moving is a great chance to clear out the stuff that finds a way to accumulate over the years. Plus, you’ll spend more money if you have to move boxes of stuff you don’t even want anymore. Sell anything that is still in good shape by having a moving sale when you near the end of your packing process.

When you make your donation to the thrift store be sure to get a donation receipt because that will come in handy when tax time rolls around.

9. Be a Sell Out

It may benefit you financially to move across the country as light as possible. Consider the cost difference between hiring a large moving truck to haul your large items versus the cost of buying new stuff when you get to your destination. What you discover may surprise you (or it may not)!

10. Check Out Storage Options

For any family heirlooms or pieces you may want back at some point, consider renting a low-cost storage unit to house your items until you can have them set to your new place of residence and cheaper option is to consider asking trusted friends or family to house your treasures in their homes until you can arrange for transportation. If you do decide to go with the storage unit be sure that you don’t forget about it and continue to rack up $50 + a month in fees. (Check out this post for more on the subject: Do You Have Too Much Crap? Money Wasted on Self-Storage)

11. Get Several Quotes on Moving Companies 

If you decide to have a moving company move your stuff be sure you get multiple estimates and quotes before making a decision. You want affordability, of course, but you also want reliability.

12. Pack It Yourself

Moving companies will provide you with a moving team, a truck and a driver all you have to do it pack up the truck yourself and they’ll drive it across the country.

13. Be Truck Smart

If you plan to rent your own moving truck and haul your stuff across country on your own, make sure to only reserve the truck size you need. It can be bad to underestimate the space you’ll need in the truck but it will cost you a lot of extra money (in gas and truck rental fees) if you book a truck that is too large.

14. Pack Strategically

It can be tempting to just fling your boxes inside the truck. Give yourself enough time to ensure you pack strategically using every ounce of space in the most logical way. This way you will be able to make sure everything fits and that it will be protected along the journey.

15. Seek Out Hotel Deals

When you have to travel a long distance and plan to do it on the road, you’ll need to consider stopping to rest. You can find valuable coupons in the books available for free at state welcome centers. Look for coupons for hotel deals and restaurants along the way and online before you leave.

16. Reach Out to Friends

If you have friends and family along the travel route, ask them if you can borrow their couch for a night rather than spending your money on hotel lodging. Plan out your travel time so you can leave some extra time to hang out with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while.

17. Camp Along the Way

If the weather is nice and you don’t have any friends or family along your route, consider camping out instead of staying at a hotel. Pick a campground that has showers and you’ll be set for another day of traveling.

18. Pack a Cooler

Depending on the room available in your vehicle you can save a good amount of cash if you pack your own snacks and drinks for the morning and afternoon. Then, only stop for dinner.

19. Don’t Buy Until Settled In

When you make it to your new home, give yourself time to unwind and unpack. Don’t rush out to the store to buy what you think you need. Give yourself time to sort through your stuff and get set up, keeping a list of ideas along the way. If you rush off to the store the 1st week you’re in town it will likely lead to overspending, especially on things that you don’t really need. The only store you need to hit in the first few weeks is the grocery store.

Moving To Memphis? What To Know Before You Go

Finding your way around a new city and learning its culture can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. When you work with Black Tie Moving, we provide you with support from start to finish. In addition to offering the most experienced and courteous Memphis movers, we’ll help you get to know your destination. If you’re moving to Memphis, here are a few things you need to know.

Learn The Culture On Beale Street

In the 1920s, Beale Street was a gritty place you wouldn’t want to visit, but today it’s the best place to go to soak up Memphis culture. Plenty of music clubs, cafes, and local shopping venues can be found along Beale Street, and it hosts a variety of events such as:

●  Beale Street Music Festival

●  International Blues Challenge

●  Memphis Holiday Parade

●  Silky O’Sullivan Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Sample Famous Memphis BBQ

Love a great BBQ meal? You’re in the right place! Central BBQ consistently gets the number one spot on the list of best of BBQ in Memphis, and is no stranger to national lists like the Forbes 10 Great BBQ Joints Across America. The city is also home to Tops Bar-B-Q, Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, and hosts the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking during which hundreds of teams compete for $110,000 prize.

Find Work With These Major Employers

If a corporate relocation isn’t your major motivation for moving to Memphis and you need to find a place to work, the top employers in the city include:

●  FedEx

●  St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

●  State and Federal Government

●  Methodist Healthcare

●  University of Tennessee

●  Shelby County Schools

Why make moving more difficult? Choose the experienced, five-star Memphis movers at Black Tie Moving and receive star treatment and a seamless, stress-free relocation. From packing to loading to short-term or long-term Memphis storage, Black Tie Moving is the company you can count on for superior service. We’d love to give you more information regarding how we can make your next move the easiest of your life, so give us a call or complete our online contact form today to request your free, no-obligation estimate of moving costs. 

How to Pack a Car for Moving: 13 Car Packing Tips

If you’re worried about how to pack your car when moving across the country, then you must have decided against having your vehicle shipped by a professional car transportation company.

After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a long road trip that will bond the family together, provide hours of fun and entertainment for each passenger (driver included) and possibly even enable you to save on your long distance move.

Regardless of how many hours or days your relocation journey will last, it’s really important to make sure that your car is packed right so that you start off the car trip on the right tire.

The following 13 steps will show you the best way to pack a car for a move. Ultimately, your mission is to fit (understand squeeze in) all your things into the vehicle without any damage, and to guarantee a comfortable and safe car trip for all passengers.

Are you ready to learn how to pack your car properly? Here we go:

#1: Sort out your items first

The very first step when packing your personal vehicle for a move is to sort out your items really carefully. That sorting process will help you avoid one serious mistake – to pack things you won’t really need after the move.

Believe it or not, sorting out your stuff is the most important step of the entire car packing task. Keep in mind that you’re taking only the most essential things in the car while the rest of your belongings will be transported by your moving company.

The best time to set aside the things that you’re packing in your car is during the home inventory task – the one you are encouraged to do very early in the pre-move preparation. As you’re compiling that house inventory sheet, be mindful of the storage space in your own vehicle – remember that you’re only taking the absolute essentials.

#2: Determine what you will pack in the car

It’s not always easy to know exactly what to move with you on the cross-country road trip, so use the following list for good ideas about the essentials to pack in your car when moving.

• 
  

  This packing technique could work from your local furniture store to your home, NOT when you’re moving across the country in your car.
  Essentials boxes. Of course, the whole idea of packing an essentials box is to keep it with you at all times. An open fist box usually contains prescription medicine, light bedding, bathroom essentials, extra clothes, snacks and drinks, a first-aid kit, a set of hand tools, and even toys when moving with small children.
• Small electronics. One classic example of things to pack in your car is electronics, especially smaller electronic devices. Why? Because they are fragile and expensive, and they won’t take much room either. You probably won’t even think about packing your 48’ flat screen TV in your car simply because there won’t be enough space for it. Reputable movers can take care of your big flat screen TV after you’ve discussed with them your insurance options, of course. Still, your desktop computer, any laptops and handheld electronic devices should stay with you during the long car trip.

How to pack electronics when moving

#3: Do not pack dangerous items in the car

Our tips for packing a car when moving continue with a warning not to pack any hazardous items in your vehicle prior to the trip. It’s imperative that your relocation journey stays 100% safe from start to finish, so you must not pack anything that may damage any of your other belongings or worse – harm the passengers in any way.

Take a look at the complete list of non-allowed items that you are strongly recommended not to pack in your car – any items that are found to be corrosive, flammable or explosive have no business with you on the long car trip.

If you plan to move your pet in your car (moving with dogs, moving with cats, etc.), then you should be perfectly familiar with the preparation steps to guarantee a safe and stress-free trip for your animal friend. Moving plants in your car, especially when moving long distance, is not recommended due to the highly perishable nature of your leafy companions. However, you can still make it work when you know what to do.

#4: Be careful what you buy prior to the move

When it comes to tips for packing a car on moving day, there are a few guidelines to follow in order to get satisfactory packing results. In addition to maximizing the space when packing your car (see below), it’s also mostly about being careful what you take with you, of course.

As soon as you know that you’re going to have to pack and move stuff in your personal vehicle, it’s time to stop acquiring new items which you will have to transport by yourself. This piece of advice is especially useful when you’re buying food shortly before the car trip – seriously, what are you going to do with so much food anyway?

Food is perishable and will most likely go bad during a cross-country trip inside your own vehicle. So, make sure you use up all of your food supplies unless your car is spacious enough to fit canned food.

#5: Clean up your car prior to the trip

A cleaner vehicle equals a safer and more pleasant road trip.

There are various ways to pack more in your car when moving, and one of them is to remove all excess items from the inside of your car. You may surprise yourself how much surplus stuff you tend to keep in your vehicle – stuff that will only limit your packing and loading options now that you need to fully utilize the space inside it.

Having got rid of all unnecessary items prior to packing your car for the move, you’d better clean its interior for a much more pleasant relocation trip across the country. A handheld vacuum cleaner may come in very handy for the task at hand.

If you’re really short on time, remember that your ultimate goal is still to free up a bit more room inside your vehicle before you hit the road, so a thorough car cleaning may be best suited after the move is done and over with.

#6: Consider investing in an overhead carrier

If you wish to pack your car with a lot of stuff but your vehicle is relatively small, then you may want to consider investing in an overhead carrier.

An overhead carrier can be a great solution for you because it will allow you to transport much more items in it while your cargo will stay perfectly safe from any unfavorable climatic conditions. Opt for a carrier of the hard-case type even if that means spending a bit more money.

High-quality overhead carriers are ideal for transporting valuable and fragile items because they provide excellent hard shell protection and are lockable too. If your car is not equipped with a roof rack, you’re going to need to purchase and install that too so that the carrier can be attached to it.

5 ways to save money when moving

#7: Pack your essential items first

Truth be told, some advice on how to pack a car efficiently may not make much sense unless you are willing to dig deeper for the hidden meaning. One such example is to pack your essential items first of all. Why would you want to do that when you would have to take everything out to reach them when unloading the car?

One good reason to do that is that you may not be able to fit all of your possessions in the car, and your most important things may then be left out. Willing to unload all the non-essential stuff you’ve already packed up just to make room for your essentials? We thought so.

Besides, having your essential items on the bottom will encourage you to unpack the entire car upon arrival and not just grabbing the key stuff and leaving the rest for much later.

The best packing tips you’ll ever need

#8: Avoid using large cardboard boxes

Consider purchasing an overhead carrier to make your cross-country move easier and safer.

Cardboard boxes are an inseparable part of the packing process, but when you’re about to pack a small car for moving, then those large packing boxes may prove to be a problem.

Moving boxes are great for arranging and stacking up in the back of a large moving truck but not inside a family car. The best way to pack a car for moving is to keep your items out of moving boxes because those boxes will take plenty of space because they are not flexible and will not fit well around other stuff.

When packing a car for a move, it’s best to avoid large packing boxes, including most original packaging, that will take a lot of space in the car. If you have to use boxes – for transporting books, for example, use small boxes that you can arrange neatly to optimize the storage room inside your vehicle. You are recommended to pack your stuff in copy paper boxes which measure roughly 15″ x 12″ x 10″.

Free moving boxes? Wait, where’s the catch?

#9. Use plastic bags for clothes and bedding

Cardboard boxes are not flexible, but bags surely are.

Do not place ordinary clothes in cardboard boxes because those containers will take up a lot of space in your car. Instead, pack the clothes you’re taking with you inside clean plastic shopping bags or clean reinforced garbage bags so that you can squeeze them into fairly tight spaces – that is, virtually anywhere between your other belongings.

You can use vacuum storage bags to shrink any voluminous bedding and clothes you plan to take with you in the car. Such vacuum bags are inexpensive and can really shrink soft bulky items so that they can be packed among other miscellaneous items in the trunk of your car or inside the overhead carrier.

Remember that the best way to move expensive designer clothes is inside wardrobe boxes, loaded safely in the principal moving vehicle, not in your personal car.

How to pack clothes for moving

#10. Use all hidden spaces in the car

The best way to pack a car for moving is to use all hidden spaces in the vehicle.

While the car trunk or the back of the hatch is the major storage area, your car will have a number of other unusual places where you can pack your stuff. Make sure those partly hidden spaces are used in an optimal way.

To maximize the space when packing your car for a move, consider packing stuff in 1) the spaces under the front seats, 2) the space around the spare tire in the trunk, and 3) the passenger’s foot wells – ideal for small items but you need to be sure all people in the car are comfortable as they can be.

WARNING: DO NOT place any items in the driver’s foot well because that can be extremely dangerous.

3 Bonus tips for packing a car when moving home

Now you know how to pack a car for a cross-country move, here are 3 extra safety tips to keep things running smoothly:

• 
  

  It looks that you’ve taken our car packing advice. Well done!
  #11: Wrap breakables in clothes and towels. You’re going to have to move some clothes and towels with you anyway, so why don’t you use them to protect your fragile and valuable items? This way, you’ll surely save precious space in the car and a good amount of Bubble wrap too.
• #12: Keep your car windows clear. It’s one thing to try to cram as much stuff in your car as possible, yet another to compromise the safety of the car trip in the process. It’s crucial that you DO NOT block the driver’s view by packing anything above the back window. The same safety rule applies to the side windows as well. Keep in mind that the driver must have clear visibility of what’s going on behind and around the vehicle at all times while driving to the new home.
• #13: Keep your car balanced. It’s important to know how to properly pack your car when moving because proper packing techniques will maximize your fuel efficiency and give you a smoother ride. Do your best to distribute your heavier items fairly evenly throughout the car (right vs. left, trunk vs. cab) in order to keep the car balanced during the road trip.

Moving Out of State Checklist: Preparation Steps & Cost-Saving Tips

Moving and Storage Services in Staten Island are appreciated

Official Moving in USA is a trusted and reliable name in the field of relocation services. The company has a team of professionally qualified personnel who can make a difference while the packing task is in progress within the premises of the clients. The professionals ensure that each and every item is packed with complete care. The company has a mission which is to achieve the perfect customer satisfaction so that every client is satisfied to the core. Moving and storage services in Staten Island requires commercial and residential packaging.

As the area shares a close proximity to New York, the professionals working the corporate have a high requirement. Even the movement of official setup is also very high. Though the diversity in the nature of the packing exists, the company is able to handle the requirements with ease. It is essential to have a good team which can co-ordinate and work so that timely delivery of the service takes place.

The companies which are offering such services should be also equipped with specialized vehicles which can make long distance relocation a simpler task. The overseas relocation services offered by the company are also very reliable. The moving and storage services in Staten Island can happen ideally because the professionals can accomplish the task timely and ensure that the delivery also happens as per the promised time. The company has designed very competitive packages for the clients so that the services can be availed by the maximum people.

Read More:- How to avail Moving and Storage Services in New York

Shifting to a foreign country is a massive change in your lifestyle and everything you are normally used to. It is an important decision and it sure to change your life in more ways than one.

It is natural to worry about how you will manage the move. It is also not unusual to be anxious and excited, both at the same time, about adjusting to life in the new country.

To make relocating simple, we’ve put together a bunch of eBooks that cover everything you need to know about relocating internationally without any stress or damage

1. Move planner to simplify your pre-move planning

To avoid unwanted troubles and stress at the eleventh hour, it is important that you start planning your move well in advance. We know it can get really chaotic and that it is easy to lose sight of important things.

To ensure you do not mess it up, we’ve made this move-planner to help you plan and execute your move easily.

2. 10 essential moving tips to ensure a stress-free move

With so many things to worry about, how do you make sure you do not forget anything important? Here are 10 moving tips to ensure that you do not lose any items, or your hair, during the move.

Also read: Experts share 5 important tips for a stress-free international move

3. The ultimate printable moving kit

Once packed, all your boxes and suitcases are going to look similar. How do you know what contains what? Trying to remember everything will only drive you insane. To save you the trouble, we’ve put together printables for packing labels, to-do lists, move announcements and just about everything you’ll need.

This will not only simplify your move but also make the whole experience fun for everyone involved.

Download the Ultimate Printable Moving Kit here.

4. Orientation services to help you settle into the new place

Moving to a new country is like a rollercoaster of emotions. The joy of moving to a new place and starting a new life is often accompanied by the pain of leaving behind the old.

You might be worried about visa and other immigration services. How will you adjust to life in the new country? How will you find a house for the family, and school for the kids?

Here’s a guide that has the answer to all your questions.

Also read: 8 ways to overcome culture shock when moving to a new country

We understand that moving to a foreign country is a big deal for you and your family.

It is natural to be concerned about a few things and be excited about some. Our experience of over 60+ years in the business has helped us understand that each customer is unique and has different requirements. Which is why, our services have been designed to fit your needs. Our move experts are always looking for ways to serve you better.

Our pre-move and post-move orientation services help you with everything you need to know before moving from India and settling abroad. We’ve put together destination guides that has all the important information you need to know about the country you are moving to.

Writer Relocations is one of India’s oldest and most trusted moving companies. Having moved over 500,000 customers, you can surely count on us to execute your move without any stress or damage.

To get your FREE moving quote, call Writer Relocations on 022-334-91787 or request a move quote here, and we’ll get back in touch with you.

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Have you ever moved to a new country? Helped a friend plan the move? What has the experience been like? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments below.